HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-12-SBFRC-min Town of Lexington, MA
Stone Building Feasibility/Re-Use Ad Hoc Committee
First Meeting Minutes - November 12, 2020
Attending: Jill Hai (Select Board Liaison), Cristina Burwell, Devan Marks, Lester Savage,Anne Grady,
Melinda Nasardinov,, Mark Manases, Paul Smyke, Carolyn Goldstein,Jeff Howry, Meg Muckenhoupt
(Appropriations Committee Liaison), Claire Feingold Thoryn (Cary Library Trustees Liaison)
Guest: Mike Cronin, Lexington Facilities Director
Community Observers: Elaine Ashton, Elizabeth Brach
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The meeting began at approximately 8:30am with a welcome by Jill Hai, and introduction of Mike
Cronin. It was noted that Town staff support will be provided by Carol Kowalski (unable to join today),
Asst.Town Manager for Development.
STRUCTURAL OVERVIEW
Mike noted that he makes the rounds in the building, attic to basement, about every month. He reports
that there isn't any water (albeit a little in the basement, consistent with a building that age), or animals
Lodging in the attic. He also observed that there are about 9 fireplaces in the building.
COMMITTEE CHARGE
To preserve the Stone Building and explore constructive reuse by researching the feasibility of
alternative uses for the building,thereby supporting future Town investment to implement the
preservation recommendations of the 2009 Historic Structure Report or such recommendations as may
subsequently be made.
This, as well as membership and minutes can be found on the associated Town web page:
https://www.Lexingtonma.gov/stone-building-feasibiLityre-use-committee-ad-hoc
BUILDING RESTRICTIONS as noted by Ellen Dana Stone in the original deed to the Town, was that the
building can be used for:
1. Library
2. Reading room
3. Art museum
4. Meeting place for classes
5. Public lectures
6. Room for children
7. Anything which is consistent with the library trustees objectives as long as they are consistent
with library objectives.
The building is overseen by the Cary Library Trustees, who will ultimately have the final say on the
building use.
Stone Building Ad Hoc Committee 2020 page]
LEADERSHIP
The following appointments were made:
CHAIR -Jeff Howry
CLERK - Cristina Burwell
It was noted that future meeting agendas need to be posted by the Town 48 hours in advance of the
meeting, in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. Additionally, members cannot assemble in a
quorum outside of these meetings to deliberate -this includes emails. If a committee member is
working on a project for the committee however, it is perfectly fine to have one or two people meet to
assemble information.
Future online meetings will be set up by JH such that they can be recorded onto the Town servers.
DISCUSSION
Committee members introduced themselves,their relevant background, and interest in the Stone
Building.
CG asked if the committee was expected in the report to work out the financials. JH indicated that the
report should be based on what is feasible and viable, but that an entire business plan was not
expected. However, a funding model should be proposed such that all the funds do not come out of the
Town operating budget. MM offered to help with financial estimates.
DM asked if we had any preliminary budget numbers. JH answered no. It is expected that we are just at
the starting point, and that ideas will determine costs.
DM asked about what the Town thought about public-private partnerships. JH indicated that this could
be part of the Committee's thinking. AG alerted members to the MA Historic Commission, and JH
mentioned similar projects happening in Concord.
EA commented on the 2009 (?) previous committee, and asked where the previous minutes can be
viewed so that this committee does not have to cover the same ground, and can see what ideas had
already been explored. LS noted that earlier the Lexington Historical Society was looking at this
building for its archives, before a new storage was built. It was believed that a Lexington Heritage
Center was also discussed, and that the committee was led by Donna Hooper,Town Clerk.
CG indicated that related documents would be helpful to the group. MM asked if a brief summary could
be provided to the group to do their own independent research.
It was asked what land is associated with the building. CFT said that the driveway belongs to the Town
Stone Building Ad Hoc Committee 2020 page 2
JH noted that the committee information is on the Town website, and asked that anyone who thought
something else should be there is to contact her.
It was decided that the first work of the committee is to take stock of what we know about the building,
and to then set benchmarks.
ACTION ITEMS
1. ANNE to provide a brief summary of the building to be discussed at the next meeting. It was
suggested by Meg that when this is sent in advance of the next meeting to committee members
that it is also provided to the Clerk to be sent to the town for posting for public view at the same
time.
2. CHAIR & CLERK - to survey the committee to gauge best meeting times going forward (Doodle
Poll, etc.).
3. ALL- Individuals to schedule a walk-thru with Facilities in advance of the next meeting.
4. CLAIRE - It was asked if the Cary Library mission statement could be shared
5. JILL- see that the committee is provided access to a central repository of historical
documents/information, including prior meeting minutes of the 2009 committee, as well as
details about when this topic was brought up in 2016 (?) by the Town Manager, any photos
from the Cary Library's Worthen Collection, etc.
6. MARK -volunteered to do a quick financial review of money recently spent on Stone building
and outline the budget estimates called out in the 2009 Historic Report.
7. ALL- anyone interested in learning more aboutJulla Robbins Barrett,JH has asked the library to
hold copies of the book by local author, Mary Keenan. The book may be of interest because of
its feature or Ellen Stone, her niece.
In Haste,Julia: 1819-1900:Julia Robbins Barrett, Abolitionist,Artist, Suffragist
Local review at: https://Lexinaton.wickedLocaL.com/articLe 20111208ZNEWSZ312089496
ADDENDUM:
Stone Building Tours are being offered by Facilities (15 minutes, 2 members at a time because of the
pandemic), and committee members have been directed to an online sign-up sheet at:
https://rb.ay/zhOiv4
Stone Building Ad Hoc Committee 2020 page 3